Samsung consolidates robotics operations under new RX division amid $13 billion investment
The new RX division, led by former Hyundai executive Dongkun Lee, aims to begin humanoid robot production this year, backed by a significant capital commitment to facilities in Gumi, South Korea.
Samsung has formally established a new internal division named RX, or Robotics eXperience, to centralise and oversee all of its robotics projects. Headquartered in Seoul, the unit represents a strategic consolidation of the company’s efforts in physical artificial intelligence, with Samsung CEO TM Roh providing direct executive oversight.
Dongkun Lee, who joined Samsung as an Executive Vice President in May, has been appointed to lead the division’s strategy. Lee brings extensive experience from his previous role at Hyundai, where he oversaw robotics initiatives including those at Boston Dynamics. His appointment signals Samsung’s intent to leverage established industry expertise as it scales its hardware ambitions.
The division’s primary focus appears to be the development of humanoid robots. According to reports from Korea JoongAng Daily, Samsung intends to commence manufacturing of these units sometime this year. This timeline is supported by a substantial capital commitment, with CNBC reporting that Samsung plans to invest 19 trillion Korean won, approximately $13 billion, to develop manufacturing facilities in Gumi, South Korea.
To support its global ambitions, RX is planning to establish research hubs in the United States, China, and Japan. These centres are designed to tap into local technical expertise and accelerate development. While the hubs are currently in the planning stages, they underscore the company’s strategy to integrate regional innovation capabilities into its broader robotics ecosystem.
The move aligns Samsung with broader trends across the technology sector, where major firms are increasingly prioritising physical AI. Competitors are making similar strategic shifts; Hyundai recently acquired the remaining stake in Boston Dynamics, Alphabet folded its manufacturing-focused robotics unit into Google in February, and OpenAI is reportedly developing physical devices to manifest its AI capabilities.
